Ventable Package with Zipper Closure, and Methods

ABSTRACT

A reclosable package having a zipper closure with a venting feature that allows air or other fluid to be vented from the package interior. In one example, the venting feature includes vents in the package wall covered by a perforated tape intermittently secured to the package to define fluid passageways. A second tape covers the perforated tape. Methods of using are provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/743,093 filed Jan. 5, 2006 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/592,490, filed Nov. 2, 2006, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to polymeric packages, and, in particular, to packages having a resealable closure arrangement and a venting feature, and methods of manufacturing and using the packages.

BACKGROUND

Flexible polymeric packages may be used to hold a variety of products. Such products may be edible food products such as cheese, meat, crackers, sugar, powdered sugar, flour, salt, and baking soda, or non-food products such as laundry detergent, sand, medical supplies, and other products. Resealable packages are convenient because they can be closed and resealed after initial opening to preserve and contain the enclosed contents. Resealable packages are also advantageous because they extend the life of food products because they may be opened and closed (resealed) multiple times. Such packages are used in environments that include the refrigerator, freezer, and at room conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to a reclosable package having a zipper closure. The package includes a venting feature that allows flow of fluid, such as air, from the interior of the package to the outside environment. In use, the venting feature is used to evacuate air from the interior of the package, without the need to open the zipper closure.

In one particular aspect, the disclosure is to a polymeric package that has a surrounding wall having first and second side edges and a bottom edge, which together forming an interior for receiving items therein. A first zipper profile member and a second zipper profile member are on the surrounding wall opposite the bottom edge, defining a mouth through which access can be gained to the package interior. The package includes a venting feature on the surrounding wall, the venting feature comprising vents within the surrounding wall to provide fluid communication between the interior and a region exterior of the package, and a tape overlying the vents. The tape may be attached to the surrounding wall along longitudinal edges of the tape, and may be attached intermittently at attachment regions. Together, the tape and the surrounding wall define a plurality of passages to convey fluid from the package interior to the region exterior of the package.

Various methods for using the package, and of making the package, are also described.

These and various other features which characterize the packages of this disclosure are pointed out with particularity in the attached claims. For a better understanding of the packages of the disclosure, their advantages, their use and objectives obtained by their use, reference should be made to the drawings and to the accompanying description, in which there is illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a polymeric package according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of the package of FIG. 1 taken along line A-A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the polymeric package of FIG. 1 illustrating a portion partially removed to facilitate understanding of its construction;

FIG. 3 is a view similar to FIG. 2, with three suitable alternate embodiments illustrated enlarged;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1, with an enlarged view of a portion of the package;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the package of FIGS. 1-4 illustrating a method of using the package; and

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating an alternate package embodiment having two portions partially removed to facilitate understanding of its construction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a variety of packaging arrangements, particularly, resealable packaging arrangements.

Referring now to the figures, a package according to the present disclosure is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 1A. Package 10 has a first side panel 12 and an opposite side panel 14 that are connected by side edges 15, 16, 18. For clarity herein, side edge 15 can be referred to as a bottom edge 15. Side panels 12, 14 are flexible sheets, typically polymeric film. Examples of suitable films for use as panels 12, 14 are well known, and include polyethylene, polypropylene, and the like. Laminated materials may also be used, which can include, but not limited to, low density polyethylene (LDPE) and nylon or LDPE and polypropylene.

Side panels 12, 14 and side edges 15, 16, 18 define a surrounding wall 11 having an interior 20 therebetween. Interior 20 is configured for receiving a food item or other item(s) for storage within package 10.

As provided above, side panels 12, 14 meet at bottom edge 15 and side edges 16, 18. Any or all of edges 15, 16, 18 may be seals or may be folds. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, bottom edge 15 is a fold between side panel 12 and side panel 14; that is, a sheet of material has been folded to form panels 12, 14 and bottom edge 15. Typically, in constructions having bottom edge 15 being a fold, side edges 16, 18 are sealed edges; that is, side panels 12, 14 are sealed to one another, for example by heat sealing. In other embodiments, side edge 16 is a folded edge and bottom edge 15 and side edge 18 are sealed. In yet other embodiments, both side edges 16, 18 are folded and bottom edge 15 is sealed. Still further, embodiments of package 10 could have each of edges 15, 16, 18 being sealed edges. These various edge configurations are known in the art and any of these are suitable for package 10.

Additionally, other configurations of surrounding wall 11 could be used. For example, surrounding wall 11 may include side gussets or gussets in panels 12, 14 to provide increased volume in interior 20. Also for example, surrounding wall 11 may have no discernible side panels 12, 14 and/or side edges 16, 18, but rather, could be a tubular bag-shaped element. Various other configurations of surrounding wall 11 are known and are useable in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1, package 10 has a top end 17, which is the side of package 10 opposite bottom edge 15. At top end 17, a resealable zipper 50 is present. Zipper 50 is present across a mouth of package 10 that provides access to interior 20. Zipper closure 50 has first zipper profile 52 having a first profile member 56 and a second zipper profile 54 having a second profile member 58; first and second zipper profiles 52, 54 are configured to be repeatedly sealed (e.g., closed, engaged, mated, etc.) and unsealed (e.g., opened, disengaged, unmated, etc.), for example, by pressure exerted by the user's fingers. In other words, first and second zipper profiles 52, 54 are selectively sealable and resealable. In some embodiments, zipper profiles 52, 54 are configured to provide an indication, for example by color change, when they are sealed together.

In the embodiment illustrated, first zipper profile 52 is connected to first side panel 12 and second zipper profile 54 is connected to second side panel 14. Zipper profiles 52, 54 could be integral with their respective side panel 12, 14 or could be attached thereto, for example, by a heat seal or adhesive. Zipper 50, profiles 52, 54 and profile members 56, 58 are well known in the art. For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,524,002; 6,152,600; 5,839,831, and 5,252,281, each of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Although not illustrated in the figures, zipper 50 may be opened and closed by a slider element, as is well known. See for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,679,027; Des. 480,988; Des. 479,467, and 6,450,686, each of which is incorporated herein by reference, for examples of suitable slider elements.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, package 10 includes a venting structure or venting feature 30, positioned in and/or on at least one of side panels 12, 14 to allow escape of gas (e.g., air) from interior 20 to the exterior of package 10. Venting feature 30 may extend from side edge 16 to side edge 18, or may end short of either or both edges 16, 18.

In this embodiment, venting feature 30 includes a venting tape 35 positioned over an area 13 of side panel 14 having fluid passageways or vents 100 therethrough. To facilitate understanding of venting feature 30, FIG. 2 illustrates a portion of venting tape 35 removed from area 13, thus exposing vents 100 in side panel 14. Venting tape 35 is attached to side panel 14 in a manner leaving fluid passages 40 between tape 35 and side panel 14. Venting feature 30, specifically venting tape 35 and vents 100, provides a path for fluid flow from interior 20 of package 10 to the exterior of package 10. The fluid to pass through venting feature 30 can be either or both gaseous or liquid. In most uses of package 10, the fluid passing through venting feature 30 will be air with some entrained moisture.

Vents 100 in area 13 may be any suitable shape or size, although the vents will generally be less than about 5 mm in their largest dimension, often less than about 3 mm. Three alternate configurations for vents 100 are illustrated in FIG. 3. A first embodiment for vents 100 is crosses 110. In this configuration, no material from side panel 14 is removed; rather, side panel 14 is merely cut, slit, punched or otherwise ruptured to allow air to flow through crosses 110. A second embodiment for vents 100 is flaps 120, which are illustrated as arcuate flaps in FIG. 3. In this configuration, no material from side panel 14 is removed; rather, side panel 14 is merely cut, slit, punched or otherwise ruptured to define a flap that allows more air to flow therethrough than crosses 110. A third embodiment for vents 100 is polygonal shaped apertures, which are illustrated as ovals or ellipses 130. In this configuration, material is removed from side panel 14 to form a void or aperture in side panel 14. Other polygons, such as circles, rectangles, triangles, etc. could be used.

FIG. 4 illustrates an enlarged view of venting tape 35, showing passages 40 intermittently spaced between attachment regions 45 (i.e., regions where venting tape 35 is attached to side panel 14, such as by the application of heat and pressure). Each passage 40 is positioned between two adjacent attachment regions 45. In the particular embodiment shown, attachment regions 45 extend at least along the edges of venting tape 35 and preferably provide sufficient volume therebetween for fluid flow. Adherence of venting tape 35 to side panel 14 may be facilitated by adhesive in attachment regions 45; however, it is preferred not to have adhesive across the entire surface of venting tape 35, as it may inhibit air flow. FIG. 4 illustrates fluid flow 60 through passages 40.

Venting feature 30 allows fluid, e.g., air, to be expelled from interior 20 while zipper 50 is fully sealed. The combination of vents 100 in side panel 14 and venting tape 35, particularly passages 40, control the rate of fluid flow from interior 20. It is understood that the flow through vents 100 and passages 40 can be modified by altering the characteristic(s), e.g., the dimensions, spacing, etc., of vents 100 and/or passages 40.

In the illustrated embodiment, venting tape 35 is positioned on an exterior surface of side panel 14; it is understood that venting tape 35 could alternately be positioned on the interior surface of area 13. It is believed that when venting tape 35 is positioned on the exterior of side panel 14, air can easily pass out via venting feature 30 when pressure is applied, but air movement into interior 20 is difficult, which reduces the ingress of contaminants from outside of package 10. It is also believed that when venting tape 35 is positioned on the exterior of side panel 14, air can easily pass out from interior 20 via venting feature 30 when pressure is applied, but the flow of liquid is restricted. It should be understood that venting feature 30 could alternately be present in first panel 12 or both first panel 12 and second panel 14.

A second embodiment of a package according to this disclosure is illustrated in FIG. 6. Package 10′ is generally similar to package 10. Features of package 10′ that are the same as those of package 10 retain the same reference numeral.

Package 10′ has surrounding wall 11 defined by first side panel and an opposite side panel that are connected by side edges 15, 16, 18. For clarity herein, side edge 15 can be referred to as a bottom edge 15. Package 10′ has top end 17 opposite bottom edge 15. At top end 17, a resealable zipper 50 is present. The features of surrounding wall 11, the side panels, side edges 15, 16, 18, top end 17 and zipper 50 are as described above for package 10.

Package 10′ includes a venting feature 30′, positioned in and/or on at least one of the side panels to allow escape of air from the interior of package 10′. Venting feature 30′ provides a path for fluid flow from the interior of package 10′ to its exterior. The fluid to pass through venting feature 30′ can be either or both gaseous or liquid.

Venting feature 30′ includes a first venting tape 35′ positioned over an area of the side panel having fluid passageways or vents 100 therethrough. In this embodiment, venting feature 30′ includes a diffuser tape 55 positioned over first venting tape 35′.

To facilitate understanding of venting feature 30′, FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of venting tape 35′ removed from the side panel, thus exposing vents 100 in the side panel. Vents 100 may be any suitable shape or size; vents 100 are illustrated as apertures having an oval or an ellipse shape. An alternate embodiment for vents 100 is crosses 110 slit or punched into tape 35′. Venting tape 35′ is attached to the side panel in a manner leaving fluid passages 40 between tape 35′ and the side panel.

FIG. 6 also illustrates a portion of diffuser tape 55 removed from venting tape 35′, thus exposing micro-perforations 105 in venting tape 35′. Micro-perforations 105 may be any suitable shape or size, and is some embodiments, have a smaller area than vents 100. In this embodiment, micro-perforations 105 are illustrated as crosses. An alternate embodiment for micro-perforations 105 is ovals 130′, similar to ovals 130 of venting tape 35 of package 10. Micro-perforations 105 in venting tape 35′ increase the area available for fluid to leave the interior of package 10′ by providing a second means for escaping, i.e., through both fluid passages 40 and micro-perforations 105. Diffuser tape 55 can also be attached to the side panel in a manner leaving various fluid passages between it and venting tape 35′.

Venting feature 30′ allows fluid, e.g., air, to be expelled from the interior of package 10′ while zipper 50 is fully sealed. The combination of vents 100 in the side panel, micro-perforations 105 in venting tape 35′ and passages 40, and diffuser tape 55 control the rate of fluid flow from the package interior.

Various specific details of package 10 and package 10′ have been described. It is understood, however, that the previous descriptions are not limiting to features of package 10, 10′ and alternate materials, constructions, and the like could be used to provide a package according to the present invention. For example, package 10, 10′ could optionally include a sealant stripe, such as a peal seal, which can be sealed, readily opened, and resealed, on an interior surface of panels 12, 14 in close proximity to zipper 50. Examples of peal seals include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,290,393; 6,210,038, and 6,131,248, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Such a seal could be used to decrease the possibility of leakage through the mouth of package 10. Additionally or alternately, package 10, 10′ could include a textured stand-off area in one or both of panel 12, 14. Such a textured stand-off area is particularly suitable for packages 10 that are configured for use in the freezer, e.g., temperatures below about 20° F.

FIG. 5 illustrates package 10 in use, retaining an item 150 therein. Item 150 is illustrated as a food item, particularly, a chicken leg. To place item 150 in package 10, the general following procedure is followed: zipper 50 is opened, if necessary, by unmating, unsealing, etc. first and second zipper profiles 52, 54. Side panels 12, 14 are spread sufficiently far to place item 150 therebetween. Item 150 should be positioned between bottom edge 15 and venting feature 30.

After positioning item 150 in package 10, it is optional to push or otherwise urge air present in package 10 out via zipper 50. Zipper 50 is sealed, providing a seal across package 10. When pressure is applied to package 10 in an area, such as area 25 between bottom edge 15 and zipper 50, for example by the application of manual pressure by a user 170, at least some of the air remaining in interior 20 of package 10 is pushed through venting feature 30 and out from the interior of package 10. In particular, air passes through vents 100 and then through passages 40.

Package 10 may be made by generally any suitable process. For example, package 10 may be made by a horizontal process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 12, 14 or surrounding wall 11 moves in a generally horizontal direction) or a vertical process (e.g., where the film forming side panels 12, 14 or surrounding wall 11 moves in a generally vertical direction). Vents 100 will generally be present in side panel 12, 14 at the beginning of the process. Venting tape 35 will typically be applied over vents 100 prior to forming edges 15, 16, 18, and may be present at the beginning of the package-making process. As mentioned above, any or all of edges 15, 16, 18 may be folds or seals between side panels 12, 14. If not integral with side panels 12, 14, zipper profiles 52, 54 may be attached to side panels 12, 14 before or after bottom edge 15 is formed. Similarly, a slider device (if present) may be applied to zipper profiles 52, 54 before or after incorporation with side panels 12, 14.

The above specification and examples are believed to provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of particular embodiments of the invention. Because many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the true scope and spirit of the invention reside in the broad meaning of the claims hereinafter appended. 

1. A polymeric package, comprising: (a) a surrounding wall having a bottom edge, together forming an interior; (b) a first zipper profile member and a second zipper profile member on the surrounding wall opposite the bottom edge; and (c) a venting feature on the surrounding wall, the venting feature comprising vents within the surrounding wall to provide fluid communication between the interior and a region exterior of the package, a first tape overlying the vents, the first tape having a plurality of perforations therein, and a second tape overlying the first tape.
 2. The package of claim 1, wherein the first tape is positioned on an exterior surface of the surrounding wall.
 3. The package of claim 1, wherein the surrounding wall comprises a first side edge and an opposite second side edge, and the venting feature extends from the first side edge to the second side edge.
 4. The package of claim 1, wherein the vents in the surrounding wall are apertures through the surrounding wall.
 5. The package of claim 1, wherein the vents in the surrounding wall are slits through the surrounding wall.
 6. The package of claim 5, wherein the slits through the surrounding wall define semi-circles.
 7. The package of claim 1, wherein the first tape is attached to the surrounding wall along longitudinal edges of the tape.
 8. The package of claim 7, wherein the first tape is attached to the surrounding wall intermittently at attachment regions.
 9. The package of claim 1, wherein the perforations in the first tape are apertures through the first tape.
 10. The package of claim 1, wherein the perforations in the first tape are slits through the first tape.
 11. The package of claim 1, wherein the surrounding wall comprises first and second panels, and wherein the venting feature is on the exterior surface of one of the first and second panels.
 12. The package of claim 1, further comprising a slider device mounted on the first zipper profile member and the second zipper profile member, the slider device configured to seal the profile members together when the slider device is moved in a first direction, and to unseal the profile members when the slider device is moved in an opposite second direction.
 13. A method of using a package, comprising: (a) providing a package having an interior, a resealable zipper extending across a mouth of the package and a venting feature including vents, a perforated first tape covering the vents, and a second tape covering the first tape; (b) placing an item in the interior through the mouth of the package; (c) closing the resealable zipper; and (e) expelling air from the interior through the venting feature.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes squeezing the package to urge air through the vents and around the first tape.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein expelling air includes pushing air through the vents and through passages defined by areas between intermittent attachment regions securing the first tape to the package.
 16. The method of claim 13 wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through cross-shaped vents.
 17. The method of claim 13 wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through flaps.
 18. The method of claim 13 wherein expelling air from the interior through the venting feature includes pushing air through polygonal-shaped vents. 